...they are quite literally right in front of the tires. If you look closely at the angle of approach required to hit them straight-on, you'd have already torn off the front facia.

It's kinda neat, because of the angular shape of the front of the Camaro, driving at an angle allows for a much steeper approach than most other low cars.

(and yes.......I have scraped once or twice...)

EDIT: But to answer your original question: Yes, they are functional. They divert air around the tires to help improve high-speed stability.

Beside the obvious slow and at an angle technique, are there any other tricks/stratigies for avoiding the scrapes? Twice today I carefully made it through two gutters sparing the front end only to grind the back corner.